Misdirection Review: Olga Kurylenko and Frank Grillo Spar in Generic But Effective Battle of Wits

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In the thriller Misdirection, Sara (Olga Kurylenko) finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. She and her boyfriend, Jason (Oliver Trevena), plan to rob defense attorney Daniel Blume (Frank Grillo) while he’s at a charity event. However, Blume unexpectedly returns home early, and they quickly realize they’ve underestimated their target – he’s far more than he seems.

Misdirection is a quick, suspenseful thriller that runs just 82 minutes. While it doesn’t offer anything particularly original, it delivers a solid, familiar experience. The film features a small cast of three actors who manage to make the story engaging, even though much of the time one of them, Joe Grillo, is literally tied up. Director Kevin Lewis, known for Willy’s Wonderland, makes good use of the setting – the sleek, modern house – and keeps the plot moving. Despite being largely a story of deception and psychological games between three people, the film builds to a fast-paced and chaotic ending.

Misdirection Is Generic From Top to Bottom — But It’s Still Fun

A key strength of the film is that it deliberately keeps the audience at a distance. Even after the movie ends, it’s unclear who we’re meant to support. While Sara and Jason’s playful arguments might seem familiar, their love for each other is genuine. However, the introduction of Blume, who appears to be a generous benefactor, immediately raises suspicions and makes us wonder who is being truthful.

I’m immediately intrigued by this couple – they’ve decided this will be their final heist, though the ‘why’ is never really addressed. They’re the kind of pros who obsess over every detail, endlessly planning before they even think about making a move. Honestly, the beginning felt a little rough – the setup was predictable, and the dialogue felt like something I’d heard a million times before. But the director, Lewis, has a clever visual style that manages to smooth things over, keeping you engaged despite the shaky start.

During the raid on Blume’s safe, filled with valuable watches, the lawyer makes a huge donation to a charity he cares about. When he gets home, everything falls apart. Sara and Jason start fighting about what to do next—Sara wants to kill Blume, while Jason wants to flee to Belize. Blume tries to turn them against each other, and more of his disturbing secrets come to light.

Misdirection isn’t a complicated movie, but it works well thanks to strong performances from its three main actors and a clever script that keeps you guessing. Since almost everyone is being dishonest, it’s hard to know anyone’s true motives, which creates consistent tension. While the movie isn’t particularly original, that’s not necessarily a flaw, and it’s an easy and enjoyable watch.

Misdirection opens in select theaters on February 10th, 2026.

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2026-02-06 19:58